Selling Guide

How to Sell Your Collectibles to Dragon’s Den Shop

Ready to thin out your collection, clear out a closet, or turn old favorites into extra cash? Dragon’s Den Shop in Oak Lawn makes it easy to sell your collectibles safely and quickly—with same-day appraisals on items brought into the store.

Below is a simple guide to how our buying process works, what we’re looking for, and how to get the best experience when selling to us.

Step 1: Contact Us First (Preferred)

While walk-ins are welcome, we highly recommend giving us a heads up before you bring in a collection. This helps us make sure a buyer is available and that we can give your items the time and attention they deserve.

Call Us

A quick phone call is the best way to start:

  • Let us know what you’re looking to sell.
  • Tell us roughly how much you have (a few items, a small box, multiple totes, etc.).
  • Ask any questions about what we do or don’t take.

Email Us

Email is perfect if you have a larger collection or want to share pictures:

  • Include clear photos of representative items.
  • Mention any sealed, rare, limited edition or signed pieces.
Preferred Contact: Please reach out via phone or email first whenever possible. It isn’t required, but it helps us give you a smoother, faster experience when you arrive.

Step 2: Bring Your Items Into the Store

To protect both you and our customers, we only buy items that are brought into the shop. We do not complete purchases entirely over the phone, through email, or by mail. Seeing items in person allows us to:

  • Confirm authenticity and verify that items are genuine.
  • Check condition carefully—factory seals, wear, scratches, sun fading, etc.
  • Make a fair, informed offer based on what we can actually inspect.

When you come in, please bring everything in boxes, bins or bags that are easy to move. If you have a very large collection, let us know ahead of time so we can plan for extra table space and appraisal time.

Step 3: Same-Day Appraisal & Offer

Once you arrive at Dragon’s Den Shop, our team will look over your items and appraise your collection the same day. In most cases, this happens while you wait.

Here’s what you can expect during the appraisal:

  1. Quick intake. We’ll ask a few questions about your collection and how you’d like to sell (individual items vs. as a lot).
  2. Condition & authenticity check. We inspect items to confirm they’re genuine and note any wear, damage, missing pieces or reseals.
  3. Market review. We look at current demand, recent sales and what we can realistically sell in the shop.
  4. Same-day offer. We’ll give you a cash or store credit offer for the items we’re interested in purchasing.

You’re never obligated to accept our offer. If you need to think it over or come back another day, that’s completely fine.

What We Buy

We’re always looking for quality collectibles and media that fit the focus of our store. Below is a general guide to what we buy at Dragon’s Den Shop:

Funko POPs

  • Popular lines from anime, movies, TV, games and comics
  • Exclusives, chases and vaulted pieces
  • Preferably with original boxes (loose may still be considered)

Action Figures & Collectible Toys

  • Star Wars (including Black Series and vintage)
  • Marvel Legends and other superhero lines
  • G.I. Joe, NECA and horror/sci-fi figures
  • Retro and modern collectible toy lines

Trading Card Games

We buy both singles and collections from major TCGs, including:

  • Pokémon
  • Magic: The Gathering
  • Yu-Gi-Oh!
  • One Piece Card Game

Higher-value singles, sealed product, older sets and iconic characters are especially welcome. Cards should be in binders, toploaders or boxes whenever possible to help protect them.

CDs & Vinyl Records

  • Rock, metal, punk, hip-hop, pop and soundtrack releases
  • Collectible or limited-run pressings
  • Records and discs with playable condition and intact artwork

DVDs, VHS & Blu-rays

  • Horror, cult classics, anime and fan-favorite movies & shows
  • Box sets, special editions and out-of-print titles
  • Playable discs and tapes with original cases when possible

Video Games

  • Retro and modern console games
  • Selected handheld titles
  • Occasional consoles, controllers and accessories (working condition preferred)

Note: What we buy can vary based on current inventory and demand. Calling ahead is the best way to confirm whether we’re currently buying specific systems, lines or genres.

Tips to Get the Best Experience

  • Contact us first. A quick phone call or email helps us prepare for you.
  • Organize your items. Group similar items together (cards, games, movies, etc.) to speed up the appraisal.
  • Bring everything at once. If possible, bring your whole collection so we can make a complete offer.
  • Be realistic about condition. Normal wear is okay—we just need to see it in person.

Ready to Sell Your Collectibles?

If you’re in or around Willow Springs, Oak Lawn or the surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs, Dragon’s Den Shop is ready to take a look at your collection.

Step 1: Reach out by phone or email to tell us what you have.
Step 2: Bring your items into the store so we can verify authenticity and condition.
Step 3: Get a same-day appraisal and offer on the pieces we can use.

Have questions before you come in? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process.